Apparatus and Method for Offline Collection of Breath Samples for Nitric Oxide Measurement

A breath collection and storage apparatus is disclosed for collecting and storing samples of exhaled breath for later analysis of nitric oxide contained in collected breath samples. The described apparatus provides for inhaling air into the lungs via a one-way air inflow portal through an airflow chamber via an inhalation/exhalation portal. Air inhaled into the lungs is then expelled back into the airflow chamber via the inhalation/exhalation portal and flowed into a breath storage vessel. A flow meter monitor, such as a flow meter or pressure gauge can be employed to monitor and control the rate of flow of the exhaled breath. A three-way valve can be incorporated into the air outflow portal to selectively permit discharge of exhaled breath to the outside or into the breath storage vessel. If desired, a programmable controller in electrical connection with the flow meter and three-way valve can be employed to maneuver the three-way valve to discharge and collection positions to allow for collecting and storing preselected portions of the exhaled breath. In addition, a flow rate restriction mechanism can be employed to automatically control the flow rate of exhaled air (breath) through the airflow chamber.